Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Pushrod length

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 8, 2026 | 05:26 PM
  #16  
Jtsarby's Avatar
Jtsarby
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by DaveMcLain
That makes sense. One thing I always hate about doing this on a hydraulic valve train is that even with a soft checking spring sometimes it can be moving target.
I tested it on the exhaust valve and it was the same. I would like a bit narrower sweep but this will be a street truck. Now to order pushrods and check valve clearance
 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2026 | 05:33 PM
  #17  
wwhite's Avatar
wwhite
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Community Influencer
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 852
Originally Posted by DaveMcLain
That makes sense. One thing I always hate about doing this on a hydraulic valve train is that even with a soft checking spring sometimes it can be moving target.
You can take an old stock ford roller lifter apart, remove the spring, flip the plunger and now you have a solid lifter:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post21750459
 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2026 | 05:36 PM
  #18  
DaveMcLain's Avatar
DaveMcLain
Cargo Master
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 789
Originally Posted by wwhite
You can take an old stock ford roller lifter apart, remove the spring, flip the plunger and now you have a solid lifter:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post21750459
You can do that on a stock lifter but you can't on most of the drop in style with a tie bar.

 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2026 | 05:41 PM
  #19  
DaveMcLain's Avatar
DaveMcLain
Cargo Master
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 789
Originally Posted by Jtsarby
I tested it on the exhaust valve and it was the same. I would like a bit narrower sweep but this will be a street truck. Now to order pushrods and check valve clearance
This isn't anything to get overly excited about really. One time I sent an email to Jesel to ask them the theory behind their set up tool for their rocker arms. What does it accomplish? What are they looking for in rocker arm geometry? About a week later a guy called me and explained what they think is best. They want to see the most amount of roller movement when the loads from the springs are the lowest and the the least amount when they are the highest. This means that the amount of sweep movement on the end of the valve stem is not the least amount. I thought that was interesting. Also as you lower the pivot the rocker ratio tends to get slightly higher but they are always non linear and they tend to average out at around the advertised ratio, more or less.
 
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2026 | 07:06 PM
  #20  
Jtsarby's Avatar
Jtsarby
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
My only concern is that when I torqued the rocker down with the shimmed lifter, it took about a full rotation to hit 20 lbs. I hope that it hits the 1/4 to 1/2 rotation to torque to hit the .030 preload.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2026 | 08:31 PM
  #21  
Jtsarby's Avatar
Jtsarby
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
I should have paid more attention in my geometry class. I could not get satisfied with my setup. I revisited it tonight and here is where I am. I was able to get a good sweep pattern with the pushrod at 6.4 however it takes 1.3 turns of the rocker bolt to get to torque. If I shorten the pushrod to just under 6.3, it takes just over 1/4 turn to get to proper torque of the rocker bolt. The problem is that the sweep pattern gets wider and it much closer to the intake side. It seems like I will be needing to shim the rocker to correct the geometry to get the proper preload.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2026 | 09:13 PM
  #22  
DaveMcLain's Avatar
DaveMcLain
Cargo Master
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 789
With this type of valve train pushrod length should make no difference in the sweep pattern. The pivot height relative to the height of the valve stem tip is not changed when you change the length of the pushrod.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2026 | 09:44 PM
  #23  
Jtsarby's Avatar
Jtsarby
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by DaveMcLain
With this type of valve train pushrod length should make no difference in the sweep pattern. The pivot height relative to the height of the valve stem tip is not changed when you change the length of the pushrod.
Dave thanks for the reply and info. So help me understand. With the shorter length pushrod, the sweep pattern looks wider and more toward the intake side. At 6.4, it is tighter and pretty much in the center. If rod length does not make a difference, why am I seeing the sweep pattern change when I change the length? From what I can calculate, a .030 shim under the rocker seems to be about right to get a good sweep and preload. I need to put my dial on it this weekend to actually check the preload rather than trying to use the rotation method. Thanks again for the reply and help
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 10, 2026 | 10:03 PM
  #24  
90project5.0's Avatar
90project5.0
Fleet Mechanic
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 1,840
Likes: 399
This is a lot more technical than I know with geometry! I did want to share that .030 should
put you at about 1/4 turn to get the torque. When I had my heads shaved, I played around with shim heights to get the torque in how I wanted it. It seemed to be about .010 to remove every 1/4 turn.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2026 | 10:17 AM
  #25  
DaveMcLain's Avatar
DaveMcLain
Cargo Master
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 789
Originally Posted by Jtsarby
Dave thanks for the reply and info. So help me understand. With the shorter length pushrod, the sweep pattern looks wider and more toward the intake side. At 6.4, it is tighter and pretty much in the center. If rod length does not make a difference, why am I seeing the sweep pattern change when I change the length? From what I can calculate, a .030 shim under the rocker seems to be about right to get a good sweep and preload. I need to put my dial on it this weekend to actually check the preload rather than trying to use the rotation method. Thanks again for the reply and help
You shouldn't see a difference if the only thing that you're changing is the pushrod length. But if you're also swapping around the shim under the trunnion(altering its height) then you should see a change. Sweep pattern gets wider with the shorter rod because the roller is moving out farther during the first 1/2 or so of valve opening before stopping and sweeping back inward. But that's only if you also lower the height of the trunnion. Otherwise it would just change the amount of preload that you're putting into the lifter. This of course could alter the pattern because it allows the lifter more room to collapse under spring load and alter your readings.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2026 | 10:34 AM
  #26  
Jtsarby's Avatar
Jtsarby
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by DaveMcLain
You shouldn't see a difference if the only thing that you're changing is the pushrod length. But if you're also swapping around the shim under the trunnion(altering its height) then you should see a change. Sweep pattern gets wider with the shorter rod because the roller is moving out farther during the first 1/2 or so of valve opening before stopping and sweeping back inward. But that's only if you also lower the height of the trunnion. Otherwise it would just change the amount of preload that you're putting into the lifter. This of course could alter the pattern because it allows the lifter more room to collapse under spring load and alter your readings.
Should the trunnion/roller center line be 90º to the valve stem? If the rocker is torqued to 18-20lbs with no pushrod and a pedestal mount head and the angle is not 90º, it seems to be a geometry issue not a pushrod length issue. I am going to check the angle today to see what baseline angle is. If it is not 90º I will need to shim?
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2026 | 10:54 AM
  #27  
DaveMcLain's Avatar
DaveMcLain
Cargo Master
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,687
Likes: 789
It should be perpendicular to the axis of the valvetrain. On the Windsor style head the stamped out channel is supposed to line it up. I would say that it is certainly possible that it could be off a little bit or loose enough to cause some misalignment when the bolt it torqued in place. What I've had to do in the past it hold the rocker arm by the ends of the trunnion using a wrench to hold it in place while I tighten down the bolt. Once it's tight it's tight and it won't move. Some heads do sacrifice this alignment if the valve centerlines have been moved around from stock. Some run the rockers at a slight angle which is somewhat incorrect while others keep the rockers running straight but slightly off center on the end of the valve stem. This is ok.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2026 | 02:12 PM
  #28  
Jtsarby's Avatar
Jtsarby
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
I took my feeler gauge set and got 1/2 turn to torque with .067. I ordered shims yesterday and should be good with the .060 shim. Fingers crossed
 
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2026 | 09:38 AM
  #29  
wwhite's Avatar
wwhite
Logistics Pro
10 Year Member
Community Influencer
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 852
Originally Posted by Jtsarby
Should the trunnion/roller center line be 90º to the valve stem?
At .5 (1/2 lift) yes, exactly.
 
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2026 | 07:05 PM
  #30  
Jtsarby's Avatar
Jtsarby
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
With .080 shim, 6.4 rockers I get about 5/8 turn to torque and angle at 1/2 lift is 86°. I’m pretty happy with that. I knew I should have gone with stud vs pedestal heads.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hivoltj
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Nov 24, 2025 03:37 PM
jc122078
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
20
Sep 26, 2025 07:21 PM
DanielT28
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
34
Dec 12, 2023 11:49 AM
sergeantspud
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
10
Sep 28, 2023 09:45 PM
montana_highboy
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Sep 13, 2011 09:15 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:15 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE